Figure 19 – evolution of Himalayan Drainage

Currently, Indus, Ganga and Brahamputra with their respective tributaries make major drainage systems of Himalayas. Since these are fed both by melting of snow and precipitation, rivers of this system are perennial.

4.3.1. Landforms of Himalayan Rivers

The Himalayan rivers are in their youthful stage carving out a number of erosional landforms. These rivers pass through the giant gorges carved out by the erosional activity carried on simultaneously with the uplift of the Himalayas. Satluj, Indus forms great gorges near Gilgit and Sukkur respectively. Besides deep gorges, these rivers also form V-shaped valleys, rapids and waterfalls in their mountainous course. While entering the plains, they form depositional features like flat valleys, ox-bow lakes, flood plains, braided channels, and deltas near the river mouth. In the Himalayan reaches, the course of these rivers is highly tortuous, but over the plains they display a strong meandering tendency and shift their courses frequently.